Disengaged employees impacting the economy

News | Unwell employees | Billions | Research

Many UK employees remain disengaged - a problem that is costing the economy billions of pounds a year, according to a new report.

Research carried out by Bupa shows that disengaged and unwell employees are costing the UK economy £6 billion in 2012, with a similar amount likely to be lost this year.

According to the data, a lack of motivation and poor health is causing workers in Britain to work well below peak productivity, and as a result this is holding back not only their potential growth, but that of the company as well.

Around half of the 5,000 workers questioned confessed to not going 'above and beyond' at work because they think it will not be acknowledged or rewarded, while only seven per cent say they are working to their full potential.

"This is a wake-up call for employers; it shows that many employees are not engaged or motivated, which has a big impact on a business's performance and productivity, explained Bupa corporate director Patrick Watt.

The survey also indicated that Britain is "not fit for growth" in its current state, with only 41 per cent of employees operating at their peak physical level and 29 per cent unable to concentrate at work due to poor health.

Mr Watt explained that successful businesses rely on healthy, engaged teams who are "motivated to go the extra mile" to help the organisation reach its full potential - something that needs to be flagged up in the HR recruitment process.

"But with 24 per cent of employees concerned they will burnout, companies must take urgent action to raise levels of staff wellbeing to counteract the ripple effect of poor health on the wider organisation - and the economy as a whole," he added.

With 70 per cent of employees stating that their companies do not invest in wellbeing initiatives, organisations now need to think of how to augment their internal processes and make the best of them.